Streamflow changes proposed in some rivers
DEEP has taken the first step toward implementation of streamflow protections. This step is the classification of streams within a given watershed as Class 1 to Class 4 (high quality to terrible quality). The classification determines the level of flow protection that will be accorded under the regulation.
The Connecticut Council of TU said DEEP has done an outstanding job in creating maps that present most of the information essential to understanding the classifications and reasons for the classifications. It has started with the eastern portion of the state.
“It is very important for friends of rivers all across Connecticut to review and comment on these maps,” according to a notice from the council. “You may want to advocate for certain adjustments to the rationale or process of classification.”
The DEEP has prepared maps of proposed stream flow classifications for the Southeast Coastal, Pawcatuck and Thames Major River Basins, available online. The maps include river and stream segments in Andover, Ashford, Bolton, Bozrah, Brooklyn, Canterbury, Chaplin, Colchester, Columbia, Coventry, East Lyme, Eastford, Franklin, Griswold, Groton, Hampton, Hebron, Killingly, Lebanon, Ledyard, Lisbon, Mansfield, Montville, New London, North Stonington, Norwich, Old Lyme, Plainfield, Pomfret, Preston, Putnam, Salem, Scotland, Sprague, Stafford, Sterling, Stonington, Thompson, Tolland, Union, Vernon, Voluntown, Waterford, Willington, Windham, and Woodstock.
Public information sessions will be held at:
Northeast CT Council of Governments, 125 Putnam Pike, Dayville, on Tuesday, Oct. 15, in two sessions: 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.
Southeastern CT Council of Governments, 5 Connecticut Ave., Norwich, on Wednesday, Oct. 16, in two sessions: 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.
A short presentation on how the stream flow classification maps were developed will be given, copies of the maps will be available for inspection, and Department staff will be on hand to answer questions at these information sessions.
The proposed stream flow classification of a stream or river segment is based on ecological conditions and human use characteristics, and determines flow management goals and applicable flow standards for that segment. Proposed stream flow classifications were developed using known information on factors indicative of the degree of human alteration of natural stream flow, environmental flow needs and existing and future needs for public water supply.
The public may submit additional information or comments for the Commissioner’s consideration on the proposed classification of a specific river or stream system pertaining to, but not limited to: (i) the factors for consideration in the regulations; (ii) the impact of the proposed classification on any prior investment made to develop a permitted or registered diversion and the alternatives, if any, to the diversion including cost factors and feasibility of such alternatives; (iii) the relationship of an existing or proposed diversion to economic development or jobs; and (iv) the practicality of, and potential for, achieving ecological benefit from restoring streamflow to the specific river or stream system. Written comments may be submitted by email to deep.streamflowclass@ct.gov, or may be mailed to Robert Hust, Department of Energy & Environmental Protection, Bureau of Water Protection and Land Reuse, 79 Elm Street, Hartford, Connecticut, 06106-5127. The Department is accepting additional information or written comments on the proposed Streamflow Classifications until Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2013.
Additional information on the Stream Flow Standards and Classifications is available on the Department’s website at: www.ct.gov/deep/streamflow . Anyone requiring more information may contact the Department by email at deep.streamflowclass@ct.gov or by phone at 860-424-3020.
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request an accommodation call 860-424-3194 or email deep.accommodations@ct.gov.
The Rivers Alliance will also help with questions. Information can be found at www.riversalliance.org.